Hawaii State Almanac: Facts and Figures

Quick Facts, Figures, and Overview of the State of Hawaii

Hawaii
is a Pacific state of the US. It consists mainly of the Hawaiian Islands, an archipelago near the geographic center of the North Pacific Ocean, and
other islets unrelated geographically to the archipelago; in all, 8 main islands and 124 islets, reefs, and shoals. The major islands in order of size
are Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. The island archipelago is located some 2,000 miles southwest of the US mainland.
The islands have been formed through continuous activity of tectonic plates. The active volcanoes of Hawaii are located in the southern half of the
island named Hawa'i. The state of Hawaii is host to a whole variety of flora and fauna and a whole range of environments from its tropical climate
to its high altitude.

Hawaii Name: One theory has it that Hawaii name comes from a combination of the words
"Hawa" and "ii" and means a small or new homeland; "Hawa" meaning a traditional homeland and "ii" meaning small and raging. The other theory is that
the name comes from the traditional discoverer of the islands, Hawaii Loa.

As agriculture has declined in importance, the economy has diversified to encompass a large tourist business and a growing manufacturing industry.
The temperature is mild, and cane sugar, pineapple, and flowers and nursery products are the chief products. Hawaii also grows coffee beans, bananas,
and macadamia nuts. The tourist business is Hawaii's largest source of outside income.

Hawaii Climate and Weather

The Hawaiian Island's weather is very consistent,
with only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year.

There are only 2 seasons: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run from
November to April.

The average day-time summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6
C).

Highest Temperature

100 degrees
April 27, 1931 - Pahala

Lowest Temperature

12 degrees
May 17, 1979 -Mauna Kea

Avg. Temp:
High - Low

87.1 degrees
65.3 degrees

Hawaii Points of Interest

The endless variety
of glorious beaches, especially Poipu, Sunset and Waikiki, the old whaling town of Lahaina, spectacular Kona Coast, Pearl Harbor, Haleakala National
Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea, Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Among the major points of interest are Haleakala National
Park (Maui), Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Hawaii), Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu), the USS Arizona and USS Missouri Memorial
at Pearl Harbor, The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Oahu), and Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the U.S.), and Bishop Museum -
to name but a few.

Hawaii Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)

Mean Elevation: 3,030 feet

Highest Point: Puu Wekiu, Mauna Kea: 13,796 feet

Mauna Kea is the tallest
mountain in the Hawaiian Chain. Its summit rises to an elevation of 4205m above sea level and it is located on the island of Hawaii. It is the second
largest in subaerial surface area of the five shield volcanoes that comprise the island of Hawaii.

Lowest Point:

Pacific Ocean
Sea level

Hawaii Land Area (Square Miles)

Geographic Center

Between islands of Hawaii and Maui
Longitude: 157°15.6'W
Latitude: 20°57.1'N